Advice for a FANY going to Iraq

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Old-Salt

I'm told this website is the place to get straight forward advice about my mobilization - with some of the usual army comments!

I've been attached to the RY and trained as a CMT3 in preparation for Op Telic 8. I've been talking to people recently returned from Iraq to try to get some idea of what to expect - but being a FANY I end up meeting subalterns who insist they are fountains of knowledge and expertise, only to then admit that they haven't the faintest clue what life is like for a female ranker.

So is there a girl recently returned willing to advise me?

I've now been told so many tall stories..... everything from I'm certain to be eaten alive by camel spiders, to being told to take my own duvet and pillow because I'll be billeted in a luxury ensuite airconditioned hut....

I'll be sent with the Queens Dragoon Guards - but I haven't met one yet - so I really don't know what I'm getting myself into!

MIA

We just spent a week on Hohne ranges, and they provided our Admin Support. They couldn't do enough for us - bloody good bunch of lads. As for Iraq - expect everything and you will not be too supprised !

Been to Iraq, AntPhillip? No. Are you female? No. Can you offer the detailed advice she asked for? No. Was your comment helpful? No.

Posts like yours only reinforce my impression (formed during a period of over two weeks) that Yeomanry YOs are motivated to an unhealthy degree by wannabe snobbery. She's asking for informed advice - leave the thread to her and those that can provide it.

I would assume that would be one of her concerns. Whilst I may not be able to comment on being a woman or having been in Iraq, I've not partaken in either, neither did I claim to have done. What I did do was offer my point of view from my time in their company and the very positive comments that the women did make. This I hope would present an opinion on the QDG to start from, perhaps it would be more helpful if you had something to contribute on the one note where a non-female may be able to provide some info charlie? Edit: As I see Mighty_blighty did.

On a more interesting and probably more helpful note I'd suggest you PM Recce Cpl for more info on the QDG, Polyethyl. tThe other points I'm sure, as stated by Charlie, some of the female members may be able to help you with.

LE

Old-Salt

Many thanks for this lads. I'll contact Recce Cpl; and thanks for the thumbs us on the QDG.... it is reassuring. When my mobilization was first discussed it was to be with the 9th/12th Lancers - but none of my TA friend knew anything about them. I'm glad to hear the QDG are known and liked.

If you do know any girls on this website - please do ask them to get in touch.

Crow

OK im not a chick and im RAF, but having just come back from Iraq, Shaiber, and things are not as bad as the old days. 1st off bad news no Hotels!!! So we had to rough it with the Army.. Sleeping is either in 2 man corimecs (Small portable container), which has 2 beds and aircon and a small locker, they are ok, or you will be in an air-conditioned tent. 4-6 man. A quilt cover is handy as when its hot you can use it as a sleeping bag or get your new light weight sleeping bag and stuff it into the cover, instant quilt. Basrah and Shaiber have good facilities, good gyms, compulsory PT?? Now whats that about!! Pizza Hut etc.. If you have a Laptop or a small personal DVD player they are helpful in the quite moments as pirate DVDs are cheap as chips.
Really donât fret the NAFFI sells just about every toiletry you will need and I found the QM to be most accommodating with giving me kit and some bedding, iron etc etc... You get a comfy box use it..
So enjoy as much as you can and keep your head down.

LE

If you get in touch with Recce, tell him that he and I discussed you on the London Crawl and I asked him to be nice!! Also tell him that you are friends with Barrington Bigwatch... he'll understand!!!!

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in sideways, Champagne in one hand - chocolate covered strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'Woohoo - What a Ride!

Old-Salt

I'm told this website is the place to get straight forward advice about my mobilization - with some of the usual army comments!

I've been attached to the RY and trained as a CMT3 in preparation for Op Telic 8. I've been talking to people recently returned from Iraq to try to get some idea of what to expect - but being a FANY I end up meeting subalterns who insist they are fountains of knowledge and expertise, only to then admit that they haven't the faintest clue what life is like for a female ranker.

So is there a girl recently returned willing to advise me?

I've now been told so many tall stories..... everything from I'm certain to be eaten alive by camel spiders, to being told to take my own duvet and pillow because I'll be billeted in a luxury ensuite airconditioned hut....

I'll be sent with the Queens Dragoon Guards - but I haven't met one yet - so I really don't know what I'm getting myself into!

I am female and have been to Iraq twice. I visisted most locations in Theatre and can assure you that everywhere I went there were no concerns. The sleeping accomodation can vary depending on location...most places are corimecs, some people are still in tentage and some are in old bldgs. Every location had some form of NAAFI and so toiletries were always available if not necessarily those of your choice. I had a female sldr who worked with QDG and they treated her very well. You should not be worried. Good luck and enjoy your tour.